Merthur/Merlin one shot

Nightmares and jealousy

(Gwen broke up with Arthur after the death of Uther. As she knows that the male wasn't liking her like he does like Merlin. It was more then just simple crush. Oh, and Lancelot and Gwaine are a thing.)

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Arthur had been just a minute or two away but when he came, he saw Merlin being zones out. Which was weird. What was weirder that he had to call him more then once? Odd, he never zoned out or at least now in the forest. There he always on high alert. So that he nudged the male and he looked around with a puzzled expression, until his eyes met him.

"Uh, yes?"

An eyebrow was raised in a questioning manner from him. Arthur decided to shrug it away and continue on with what they where doing. As they where on a hunt trip and tomorrow they would come back.

"You alright?"

Merlin blinked as nodding and continue make a fireplace...

---

A few curses escaped as he was now wet because of Merlin. What was going on with him? Like yes, the male was a klutz, but this was one thing after another.

"What the hell Merlin?! This is one thing after another. First you tripped ending up making the food fall on me! Then you almost burned me with the water and now this?! What the hell is going on with you?"

His voice exasperation and anger was heard but more than angry he was concerned. Merlin wasn't usually like this. Not to mention that he looks tired- no scratch this, he looks exhausted. Almost as he hadn't slept in a while.

"I am sorry. I hadn't slept well the past few days."

It was apparent from the black circles under the eyes. And he was thinking that it was because him going to the tavern.

"And why is this?"

Merlin was opening his mouth, but came not too far as a knock was heard and him rushed towards the door. On the other side was Gwaine who gave him a mock salute and he could just let out a sigh.

"Would be alright with me borrowing Merlin for two to three hours?"

This was a strange request, but he wasn't really seeing why he should say no. Maybe this would help the male to get out of the gutter.

"As long as he afterward has finished his work, I don't see why not."

Gwaine nodded and Merlin left with this. It was strange but he shrugged it off. Until the fifth day. Too suspicious that Gwaine always comes at the same time for Merlin. What were they doing? Don't tell him that they are doing some inappropriate things. Wouldn't even be surprising from Gwaine but Merlin?

Maybe they where even going to the tavern. Which would make sense with Gwaine and it wasn't the first time that Merlin went there. But maybe he wasn't. Merlin genuine seemed exhausted each day more. So, the sixth day he decided to try and get something out from Merlin.

"Merlin, why is it that you seem to be more and more exhausted? Do you need me to get your workload lessen?"

Merlin froze, then snapped his head to him and stared with surprised wide eyes. Which was making him look adorable.

"No! I mean- I am fine."

"No you aren't fine. Like it's obvious that you can't sleep well. So how about you just call it a day?"

Like it was clear why he was like this and he wasn't going to let this continue on. But the male shook his head and seemed to- shake? Like his body is shaking slightly.